A 200-foot radio tower belonging to WJLX station in Jasper, Alabama, was stolen, leaving the radio station in a state of shock and confusion. The audacious thieves managed to dismantle the heavy steel structure, leaving behind a scene of wires strewn across the property.
The general manager of WJLX station, Brett Elmore, expressed his disbelief at the audacity of the crime. With over 26 years of experience in the radio business, Elmore stated that he had never encountered anything like this before. “I can say I’ve seen it all now,” he added.
The theft came to light when a landscaping crew arrived at the rural tower site to carry out routine maintenance. To their astonishment, they found that the tower had vanished. Elmore recounted the conversation he had with the crew member, who reported, “The tower is gone. There are wires everywhere, and it is gone.”
The thieves not only dismantled the tower by cutting the securing wires but also made off with other equipment from the property, as Elmore shared in a Facebook post. Despite the setback, the radio station is determined to rebuild the tower. Elmore, however, issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, assuring them that he would collaborate with investigators to bring them to justice. “It is a federal crime, and it absolutely will not be worth it to them,” he emphasized.
If apprehended, the suspects could face severe consequences, including a fine or up to 10 years in prison. The stolen tower was crucial for WJLX station’s AM radio channel, which has now been temporarily authorized by the FCC to continue broadcasting through alternative means.
The incident has dealt a significant blow to the small operation of WJLX station, highlighting the vulnerability of such enterprises. Nevertheless, Elmore remains optimistic about uncovering the truth behind this puzzling federal crime. “I believe we will find out who did this,” he asserted.
2 Responses
“Sometimes the most shocking and unexpected events can leave us in a state of confusion, but it is in these moments that we must gather our strength and find a way to move forward.”
This quote resonates with the post because it highlights the unexpected nature of the radio tower theft and the resulting shock and confusion experienced by the radio station. It emphasizes the need for resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The stolen radio tower represents a significant loss for the station, but it also presents an opportunity
The stolen radio tower is like a missing puzzle piece in a complex jigsaw puzzle. Without it, the radio station is left in a state of shock and confusion, unable to transmit their signal effectively. Just as a missing puzzle piece disrupts the completion of the puzzle, the stolen tower disrupts the smooth functioning of the radio station.